COP28: Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and the Climate Crisis
30th November 2023
How is the climate emergency a sexual reproductive health and rights emergency?
COP28 takes place in UAE at the end of November 2023. The 10 day convening will bring the world together at a critical moment for global transformative climate action, and provides space to take stock of progress on commitments made on the Paris Agreement.
For organisations and advocates working on bodily autonomy, gender equality and sexual reproductive health and rights, it is also a moment to to highlight the critical linkages between the climate crisis and bodily autonomy.
We know that the climate crisis disproportionally impacts women and girls, especially those already most at risk of being denied their fundamental rights.
And we have seen how as global temperatures rise, extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and heatwaves particularly threaten the health and rights of girls and women.
Climate change directly impacts sexual and reproductive health and rights in many ways:
- Natural disasters brought on by the climate crisis limit access to critical healthcare services including contraceptives, safe abortion services and support services for victims and survivors of sexual violence.
- Climate related food insecurity has a detrimental impact on maternal and child health outcomes.
- Displacement bought on by the climate crisis increases risks of trafficking and child marriage.
All women, girls and young people need to be included in climate policy and response to ensure that their rights are protected and their future is secured. During COP28 raise your voice so #SheDecides.
Take Action: Download the Toolkit
Download the SheDecides COP28 Toolkit for template graphics and suggested social media posts to highlight the critical linkages between the climate crisis and bodily autonomy.
Further Reading
Many SheDecides Champions and allies are working on the intersection of climate crisis and SRHR, including: